Rosenworcel is currently a top adviser to Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and has been rumored to be a front-runner for the Democratic commissioner slot for nearly a year.

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If confirmed, Rosenworcel would replace her former boss, Commissioner Michael Copps, when his term expires at the end of the year.

Rosenworcel is known for her thoughtful approach to telecom matters from FCC reform to net neutrality, and carries many of the same policy values of Rockefeller and Copps.

Obama also nominated Pai, who became a partner at law firm Jenner & Block in April after gaining extensive experience in virtually every bureau at the FCC. Pai would replace Republican Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker, who left her post at the FCC in May to join Comcast.

Pai also has Hill credentials, having served as chief counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee on the Constitution, among other posts, as well as a stint at the Justice Department.

While his policy positions are less clear, he’s known for his telecom expertise and easy-going personality.

Now that Rosenworcel and Pai have been nominated, the next step is for the Senate Commerce Committee to weigh in, which could happen within the next several weeks.

The FCC has been down one commissioner since Baker’s departure, and Copps’s departure at the end of the year would leave the agency with only three commissioners: two Democrats and one Republican.

The addition of Rosenworcel and Pai would round out the panel again in time for the start of the new year. The FCC has plenty on its plate, including implementing incentive spectrum auctions (if granted authority by Congress) and Universal Service Fund reform, a media ownership review and continued implementation of the National Broadband Plan.

In a statement, Copps applauded the nominations and spoke highly of both Rosenworcel and Pai.

He said Rosenworcel, his former legal adviser, has a "perspective on telecom and media issues both wide and deep" thanks to her experience at the FCC and on the Hill.

"Her dedication, intelligence and practical good judgment make her an ideal choice for commissioner," he said. "As I look forward to completing my term here at the commission, it is with great pride that I see a former colleague and member of my team nominated for this seat."

Copps also worked with Pai while he was in the FCC's Office of the General Counsel.

"During that time, he provided valuable counsel on many of the complex matters coming before the commission," Copps said. "Ajit’s experience, both at the agency and on Capitol Hill, prepares him well for the many urgent telecom and media challenges confronting the commission."

Tony Romm contributed to this report.

This article first appeared on POLITICO Pro at 8:01 p.m. on October 31, 2011.